About Us

Tyldesley Swimming and Water Polo Club is one of the oldest and most respected Swimming and Water Polo Clubs in the country, in fact it is believed that Tyldesley is the second oldest continuously running club in England having been formed in 1876.

Caleb Wright opened the original baths in August 1876 with a Doctor W. Duncan being the first Club President. It has been an important part of the Tyldesley community ever since.

The club has an excellent working relationship with the Pelican Centre and continues to deliver swimming and water polo to children at different levels of competence in the water, to a standard, where, if they so wish, the swimmer or water polo player can compete firstly at club level, Association, County, Region and National Level.

We are a competitive swimming and water polo club and are affiliated to

The club enter many swimming and water polo competitions throughout the year - from local league swimming galas/water polo matches to open meets and water polo tournaments.

We have always prided ourselves on our level of teaching and coaching skills by ensuring that regular training opportunities are made available.

The club were the first club in the borough and the second club in the Swim England North West to achieve SwimMark accreditation (National Governing Body Kitemark).

Over the years the club has produced many swimmers and water polo players who have achieved “honours” at County, Regional, National and International Level. The most famous club members are Addin Tyldesley who represented Great Britain in the 1908 Olympic Games in London; Duncan Cleworth who represented Great Britain in the 1972 Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada and Jennifer Coughlin who represented Great Britain in 2000 Para-Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.

In addition to the athlete honours the club have also seen many volunteers recognised for their hardwork and commitment to Aquatics. One of the Past President's of the club Mavis Bent was awarded the MBE in 2010 for her voluntary services to aquatics in the Great Manchester Area.

All achievements are recorded on the Clubs Honours Board which is situated at the Pelican Centre.

The club also boasts a very active social section, organising events for family, children only and adults only. All the events are advertised on the club website, club noticeboard and in the monthly newsletter.

The monthly newsletter is an important way for the club to keep everyone informed of the achievements of our members; any cancelled or amended sessions and birthday notifications.

The club also have a “club shop” where you can purchase club kit i.e. swim caps; water bottles; net bags; polo shirts; hoodies, water polo costumes/trunks, swimwear and swim bags.

The Management Committee are responsible for ensuring that the Governance of the club meets the guidelines set by Swim England (A.S.A.) and oversees the work of the swimming and water polo sections and any sub-groups.

If you require more information about the club and its activities then please email the President - Diane Stafford

If you would like more information about Junior Water Polo or Senior Mens Water Polo please email Lee Toone